Akershus castle description and photos - Norway: Oslo (Topic)

Akershus castle description and photos - Norway: Oslo. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Akershus castle.

Photo and description

The fortress was built in the XIV century. By order of King Haakon V as the first powerful citadel of brick and stone that defended the Norwegian capital.

Under King Christian IV in 1624, the castle was rebuilt and acquired a new look in the Renaissance style with luxurious halls and gloomy dungeons used since 1811 as a prison.

During the Second World War, the German Gestapo was located in the fortress captured by Nazi troops. On the castle square on June 1, 1989, for the first time in world history, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, John Paul II, celebrated a solemn Mass during his visit to Norway. The royal persons of the Norwegian monarchy are buried in the chapel of the castle, including Sigurd I and Haakon V.

At present, the fortress has retained its military and state significance. On its territory are located the Ministry of Defense and the Headquarters of the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Norwegian Defense Museum and the Popular Front Museum, and state receptions are held. Climbing the ancient castle walls, you will have a magnificent view of Oslo, the Aker Brygge embankment and the bay.

Akershus Fortress is open daily for tourists and everyone.

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Topic: Akershus castle description and photos - Norway: Oslo.